Chapter 217 The Detective's Vigilance

Chapter 217 The Detective's Vigilance

"Ms. Johnson, what's up?" Zoey asked.

"Nothing," I replied, shaking my head. 

The mysterious appearance of the old scavenger might be connected to Byron or the case itself, but it was too early to tell. 

Dismissing him outright seemed premature given the limited information. His sudden appearance only muddled what should have been a clear judgment.

"Ruben, did Clifford mention anything about the case when you met today?"

"No, she just talked about the best places to eat in Emerald City and planned to take me around," Ruben said, swallowing hard, clearly hungry.

As expected, Dean and Clifford had rushed us to Vesperia, but since arriving yesterday, we had only met a few people at the Zaka building, with no mention of the case. 

Meanwhile, Byron's work, the strange dreams, and Dean's attitude towards Byron hinted at a connection to the case.

Now, the old scavenger who inspired Byron's dreams had appeared near our hotel, seemingly trying to give us information about the case. 

What were these people up to?

"Ms. Johnson?" Ruben asked softly.

"What's up?"

"Clifford mentioned that starting tomorrow, I should visit the Zaka building daily. Do I have to go? My position as vice director is just a title. I don't know anything about their business. What's the point?"

"Go," I said without hesitation, patting Ruben's shoulder. 

"Your position is sensitive. If you don't show up at the Zaka building, it will only raise more suspicion. It's better to go openly. Even if they suspect something, they'll think it's about your relationship with Dean. Just act a bit ambiguous when you talk about Dean, and they won't suspect you're a cop."

Ruben gave me a thumbs up, full of admiration. "Ms. Johnson, you're even smarter than my mentor!"

Considering how highly Ruben regarded Benjamin, this was high praise indeed.

"Let's hope Benjamin doesn't get mad hearing that," I shrugged. Ruben's words were always a bit scatterbrained, but I didn't mind. 

My thoughts were still on the old scavenger. "Of course, if you hear anything at the Zaka building, especially about Dean or the case, even a single word, make sure to tell me."

Ruben agreed without hesitation, not even asking why. Zoey, however, was more inquisitive.

"Are you starting to suspect..."

I hesitated, not answering directly. "We're just business partners with Dean and Clifford. It's always good to be cautious. Zoey, you too. Never trust anyone 100%."

"Don't worry about me. You should be careful. Don't let a pretty face trick you into forgetting your duty as a cop and end up marrying into the Palmer family," Zoey teased Ruben.

"I won't. I'm a cop, and I'll always be a cop," Ruben said seriously, and Zoey didn't push further.

The restaurant was run by a Phoenixian named Ernest Torres. It was spacious, about 1,600 square feet, clean, and the food was authentic. 

Ernest, seeing we were fellow countrymen, was very enthusiastic, adding dishes and chatting with us.

Ernest had been in Vesperia for over thirty years, starting as a waiter and working his way up to owning a small restaurant. 

He knew the history of Emerald City well, recounting changes over the decades with ease.

Ruben, having not eaten all day, was devouring his food. Ernest generously added three more dishes, and Zoey, impressed by the taste, ordered more, joining Ruben in a feast.

We had a great meal, and Zoey insisted on paying for the extra dishes, but Ernest refused. 

He gave us his contact information, saying if we wanted more food, we could call him, and he'd have it delivered to our hotel.

Back at the hotel, Zoey, feeling full, decided to walk around to digest. Ruben and I returned to our rooms, which were across from each other. 

Before parting, I reminded Ruben of a few things. He seemed hesitant, so I asked if he had something to say.

"Ms. Johnson, did you stop on the way to the restaurant because of the beggar in the alley? He was watching us as we approached."

"Yeah, a detective's instincts never fade," I said, relieved that Ruben had noticed the old man too. 

I had thought Ruben ran ahead to protect Zoey, but he had also been aware of the old man.

I explained what I had seen and heard to Ruben, who looked worried.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Ms. Johnson, do you think Zoey might like that Byron guy?" Ruben asked, almost in tears.

Hopeless! Ruben could be serious for only a moment. I had just praised his vigilance, and now he was worried about Zoey and Byron. 

I reassured him that Zoey wouldn't be interested in a comic artist, but regretted it immediately, unsure if I had hurt his feelings. 

But seeing his smile, I realized I had worried for nothing.

"So you want me to keep an eye on Dean at the Zaka building, see what he's up to, and if it relates to the case?" Ruben asked.

I nodded. When it came to business, Ruben was reliable.

Ruben agreed, adding, "We shouldn't tell Zoey about the old man. She'd start searching for him everywhere, and we're not familiar with this place. We can't alert Dean either. If something goes wrong, we'll be at a disadvantage. You're really looking out for Zoey."

I was about to say Ruben wasn't as scatterbrained as Zoey thought, but then I noticed he only mentioned Dean, not Clifford. 

Before I could ponder it, Ruben continued, "Ms. Johnson, you're so good to Zoey. When we get married, you'll be the first person I thank!"

"Get lost!"